Used Car Assistant

Valley Truck Centers•Columbus, OH

2d•$20 - $25•Onsite

About The Position

Used Car Inventory & Merchandising Assistant Position Overview The Used Car Inventory & Merchandising Assistant is the visual architect of the pre-owned department. This role manages the "speed to curb" by ensuring every vehicle—of all makes and sizes—is physically prepared, strategically staged, and digitally marketed within hours of arrival. You are responsible for the first impression a customer has, whether they are looking at a screen or driving onto the lot.

Requirements

Pace & Energy: High-energy individual comfortable being on their feet and moving vehicles throughout the day.
Visual Eye: An obsession with alignment and cleanliness; you notice when a car is 6 inches out of line.
Writing Ability: Ability to communicate the value of a vehicle through written text.
Valid Driver’s License: Must be comfortable driving vehicles of all sizes, from subcompacts to dual-rear-wheel trucks.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience in the car/truck business is a plus!

Responsibilities

Lot Maintenance & Aesthetic Standards
Daily Lot Walks: Ensure the "Front Row" and high-traffic areas are clean. Remove debris, pull weeds in display areas, and report any lighting or signage issues.
Front-Line Readiness: Check for dead batteries, low tires, or empty fuel tanks. Ensure all vehicles are unlocked and accessible for sales during business hours.
Weather Response: Clear snow/ice from vehicles in winter; ensure vehicles are rinsed after rain to prevent spotting.
Vehicle Staging & Merchandising
Strategic Staging: Arrange vehicles by category (Trucks, SUVs, Luxury) using "angle parking" techniques to maximize curb appeal.
The "Uniform" Look: Ensure all vehicles on the front line have wheels turned at the same angle, headrests leveled, and seats adjusted uniformly.
Physical Labeling: Apply FTC Buyer’s Guides, "Addendum" stickers, and QR code window clings. Ensure pricing decals are straight and bubble-free.
Digital Marketing & Copywriting
The "Showroom" System: Log all updates and status changes in the Showroom inventory system.
Creative Descriptions: Write unique, punchy descriptions highlighting "all-weather" packages, low mileage, or recent service work.
Photo Prep: Move vehicles to the designated "Photo Zone," ensuring the background is clean and the vehicle is positioned for the best lighting.
Line-Item Preparation & Sales Support Tasks Beyond the core responsibilities, this role manages the following "micro-tasks" essential to the sales process:
Key Tracking: Transporting keys between the Service, Detail, and Sales departments to prevent "lost key" delays.
Fueling: Maintaining a minimum of 1/4 tank of fuel in all front-line units for immediate test drives.
Manual/Key Audit: Checking gloveboxes for owner’s manuals and verifying if the vehicle has a second key or remote start fob.
Detail Quality Control: Performing a final "white glove" check after a vehicle leaves the detail shop to ensure no wax residue or streaks remain.
Wholesale Coordination: Organizing "Fresh Trades" that are designated for auction and ensuring they are moved to the wholesale line.
Vendor Escort: Checking in mobile vendors (dent pullers, glass repair, upholstery) and pointing them to the specific vehicles needing repair.
License Plate/Frame Install: Removing old dealership frames from trades and installing current store-branded frames.
Sold Unit Prep: Pulling "Sold" units from the line and moving them to the delivery bay for the final "clean and gas" before the customer arrives.